Defender Infinity R2 vs SmartPD D10 R2

crocodilo

Enlightened
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May 31, 2006
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I'm contemplating getting an AA light. Can anyone compare the above mentioned models, to help me determine if the $21 difference in price is worth it?
Also, is the Tiablo TL1 a comparable contestant?
 
Depends how you are most likely to use it.

The D10 has a single mode with adjustable output. If you are going to be working in a variety of different situations, the D10 allows you to easily ramp the light level up and down to the brightness you need just by holding the button down. You can also quickly jump to high and low and ramp down or up from there. Very useable and flexible.

If you prefer to program a permanent or semi-permanent "medium" level, the NDI allows you to ramp up and down and then "freeze" the setting. You can switch to high by tightening the head, and back to your ramped setting by loosening the head again. The disadvantage is that ramping is achieved through a sequence of twisting and loosening the head, which is a little less usable than the D10 if you need to vary the output frequently.

You'll find adherents of both systems on here, but the "best" one of course is the one that best suits how you will use it. Of course, it probably won't be long before someone chips in with "buy both!"
 
I have the EX10 for CR123 and the NDI for AA. The NDI is a little more heavily built than the D10. The NDI is a more tactical light.
 
I'll put in the obligatory Buy Both. Usually when I have a tough flashlight decision thats what I do and then sell the one I don't like or in most cases like the least. Or I just keep both:sssh:. I just got a Nitecore Extreme and love it I think it's similar to the Infinity and I will be ordering a D10 or EX10 soon because the SmartPD UI sound like a winner. I'm sure that wasn't much help but go head and flip a coin there both gonna be great lights. lovecpf. Ijust saw that you already have the EX10 I'd try out the Infinity in that case.
 
I just stimulated the economy and ordered the Defender Infinity R2 from 4seven today. At first my mind was made up on getting the D10 R2. But like some buyers, not being able to maintain the user defined brightness setting after switching to max or min brightness setting was the deal breaker. I like the D10 for its size, novel piston drive, and available pocket clip.

In the end, NDI R2 offered what I really needed which was a two mode light where max brightness and a user defined brightness can be easily and quickly accessed. I only wish the NDI has a pocket clip available. Sigh...

This will be my most expensive light to date. Hopefully, I won't be disappointed.
 
I think you cannot go wrong with either. Each has its good points, the functions are basically what Moonshadow mentioned. I'm sure if you do a search, there're more info to be found for both lights for you to make a decision for your wants and needs.

As a user of both, D10 is my default EDC and sometimes I rotate with NDI simply because I like the clicky feel and tactical design. I bought the D10 first and ended up with NDI and EX10 as well. :laughing:

As for Tiablo TL-1, here's a mini review. The light setting is slightly more troublesome, but I got use to it after a short while. It's a good light but the downside many people find is the "teeth", giant battery icon and its length. IMO, you're better off getting a Nitecore for now.
 
I've got an NDI and a D10 from last year. The D10 is bright, has great tint and runtime but has the usual Cree dark ring around the hotspot. Also, when I carry it, somehow it always turns on in my pocket after a while.

The NDI is very similar, nice clicky button, won't quite tailstand but otherwise comparable.
 
I've got an NDI and a D10 from last year. The D10 is bright, has great tint and runtime but has the usual Cree dark ring around the hotspot. Also, when I carry it, somehow it always turns on in my pocket after a while.

The NDI is very similar, nice clicky button, won't quite tailstand but otherwise comparable.

Many thanks to you and all the others for their inputs. Any word if the NDI also sports the Cree dark halo (probably yes...)?

Owning an EX10 I'm familiar with the SmartPD system, but this time I was more inclined to go with a traditional forward momentary, hence my leaning towards the NDI.
 
Hey Marduke, may I know if that's a Stylus Pro clip or from somewhere else? Thanks!


It's the Nuwai 1xAA clip. It's found on the Rayovac Sportsman Extreme/Highbeam series, as well as the Energizer 1xAA from Target. There are other lights that use the same clip.

The Gerber Infinity Ultra clip fits also.
 
It's the Nuwai 1xAA clip. It's found on the Rayovac Sportsman Extreme/Highbeam series, as well as the Energizer 1xAA from Target. There are other lights that use the same clip.

The Gerber Infinity Ultra clip fits also.

Thanks for the tips! :huh:
But I have none of the lights above for me to cannibalize the clip....
 
...always turns on in my pocket...
Quarter twist to put it in momentary mode will prevent this from happening.

Since the button is recessed, it must be bumping up against something else in the pocket to cause this effect, so a clip would be an alternative solution.

Not a reason to avoid buying IMHO
 
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I have both an EX10 and D10 and I never have any issues. Then again, I carry both in old Fenix holsters... :sssh:

As for the OP's choice between the NDI and D10: I find my NDI is a bit brighter vs. my D10 but both are great when running them on 1x14500. I like the fact the NDI allows you to set the light level whereas the D10 is, as some have already indicated, a single-mode with adjustable levels. But, the NDI requires two hands (at least on my NDI) to twist the head to ramp-up / -down when changing light levels.

In practical use, it boils down to what you intend to use it for and how you like the UI... even though the NDI has a memory setting and is brighter, I tend to go with my D10 (and EX10) first since I find the one-handed PD UI to be easier for my purposes. YMMV.
 
They can turn on inadvertantly in your pocket yes. But pretty much ANY light with a button or clicky can have this happen. I have had Novatacs,SF and Nitecores turn on in my pocket while clipped to the top. Some seem to be more susceptible to this than others. I make sure the Nitecores are twisted off to momentary . Others never have this problem with the Nitecores but it has nothing to do with the "Smart" technology.
 
Re: Defender Infinity R2 vs SmartPD D10 R2 vs GD+

BTW, any oppinions on the Golden Dragon Defender Infinity? I'm aware that the lumens count is similar to the Q5, but is the beam any better?
 
Re: Defender Infinity R2 vs SmartPD D10 R2 vs GD+

I'd get the new R2.
 

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